Mindfulness and Meditation in Western Religions﻿

Mindfulness is the awareness to each action that one performs. It emphasizes focused attention, without judgment or rumination. Practicing mindfulness involves meditation, a series of mental exercises used to enhance our ability to observe our own lives.

Mindfulness and meditation are concepts intrinsic to many of the world’s religions. However, each religion interprets their philosophies uniquely. For example, in Christianity, meditation is conceptualized through its actions, objects, and objectives and then used to empty the mind in order to fill it with God’s true teachings. In Islam, mindfulness and meditation are components of the five pillars, and their purpose is to strengthen one’s bond with God.

For this workshop, we will discuss how mindfulness and meditation fit the framework of each major Western religion, how they benefit those who practice them, and how secular practice may differ. We will invite esteemed colleagues to participate in our panel: academics experienced in teaching mindfulness and meditation as they relate to religion. We will contrast the mindfulness practices of the East and the West to create depth of conversation.

Mindfulness and Meditation in Christianity

The Bible interprets the actions of meditation as reflective thinking and contemplation, which are methods of expressing mindfulness. These actions are demonstrated in the Psalm of David, when Abraham rebels against his father, David, and threatens to conquer his kingdom. David responds by seeking God’s guidance, and, in the passages that follow, contemplates God’s wisdom, power, and love.

 “I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Thy doings; I muse on the work of Thy hands” – Psalm 143:5

In this context, the principle of biblical meditation is introduced. David begins to detach from the material world and reattach to the living God through Christ. This occurs through a restoration in faith, reflective reading of The Bible, and internalization of scripture. Consistent with the general concept of meditation, biblical meditation affects how we think, act, and live our lives.

Mindfulness and Meditation in Islam

In Islam, mindfulness and meditation are structurally linked to dhikr, our collective essence and purpose in the universe. The Qu’ran references mindfulness in two ways: in the reflection of God’s word and attention to harmony in the universe. Mindfulness is practiced in worship, such as salat (daily prayer) and sawm (fasting). Salat encourages mindfulness through the rigorous and focused attention Muslims must give each of their five daily prayers. Sawm teaches empathy and compassion, because fasting allows Muslims to experience the problems faced by the poor. By adopting this practice, Muslims are discouraged from negative thoughts and behaviors, further strengthening their relationship with God. Both salat and sawm are components of Islam’s five pillars, which also include shahadah (reciting professions of faith), zakat (charity), and hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca).

Mindfulness and Meditation in Judaism

The Torah presents one of the earliest examples of mindfulness and meditation in Judaism: It suggests Isaac meditates during his afternoon prayer.

 “Isaac went out to meditate (lasu'ach) in the field toward evening – Genesis 24:63

This timing of the prayer is important to note, since it signifies the end of a working day – when we can put aside our worries and concentrate on our own spirituality.

The concept of Jewish meditation is further developed in Kabbalah, where contemplative meditative practices are integral to prayer. For example, followers of Kabbalah are instructed to reflect upon sefirot, or the different aspects or faces of God. Frequent practice of this exercise allows one to obtain devekut, or unity with God.

Meditative practices are also evident in Hasidism. For instance, some followers practice self-seclusion to allow personal time with God. Others meditate before and after prayer services to contemplate on the recited words.

In Judaism today, there are parallels between Western mindfulness and specific mind-body religious practices. For example, some worshippers perform letter meditations, where they inhale and exhale for each letter in the name of God. This exercise reflects the mindfulness practice of focused breathing.